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Hallerbos now an official nature reserve, expansion ahead

16:40 20/09/2021

The famous Hallerbos forest, just outside of Brussels, is now an official nature reserve. Flemish environment minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) has confirmed the new status of the forest, well known for its carpet of bluebells that bloom every spring.

Tens of thousands of people flock to the Hallerbos in Halle every year to witness the bright purple forest floor, the result of millions of bluebells blooming simultaneously. While the forest was not in danger, Flanders still found it prudent to make it a recognised nature reserve. This means that the 600-hectares will be managed as a protected site.

The minister also announced that there were plans to develop a recreational wildlife crossing that would allow pedestrians, cyclists and animals easier access to the other side of the forest. While most of the Hallerbos is east of the R0 motorway, a tiny bit of it is on the west side. “And over the next three winters,” said Demir, “we will extending the forest a bit more so it will be connected to the other nature areas in the region.”

Photo ©Benoit Doppagne/BELGA

 

Written by Lisa Bradshaw